"I know in my heart that man is good that what is right will always eventually triumph and there is purpose and worth to each and every life."  This is the inscription at Ronald Reagan's gravesite, which is placed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and so it was a fitting location for the 14^th Annual Bahá’í Human Rights Awards commemorating the 56^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and honoring members of the community for their outstanding service to humanity.

On a cold and rainy December 5 morning, nearly four hundred guests filled the Peace Plaza banquet room to be warmed by the compassion and caring of the three recipients of this year’s awards.

Beginning with a sobering, factual account of the plight of women around the globe, keynote speaker Professor Brian Lepard, member of the law faculty at the University of Nebraska, and highly respected writer and scholar on international human rights law, centered his talk on "Eradicating Violence Against Women: The Need for Local Solutions to a Global Epidemic". Assuring the audience that this is indeed an epidemic Lepard reiterated that: "The dimension and scope of violence against women is staggering…" He added that solutions are available to humankind… "But to be successful, any campaign to eradicate violence against women must be waged in local communities around the planet, and must above all be aimed at prevention."

The gloom outlined by Lepard, was soon balanced by the service performed by the worthy recipients of this year’s awards.  First to the podium to receive their award, was the husband and wife team Dr. Cedric and nurse Norma Emery from Santa Paula, whose selfless service encompasses teaching, healthcare and concern for upraising the treatment of the disadvantaged in Afghanistan. From Norma’s compassion for the orphans in an orphanage in Kabul where she volunteers and raises funds, to Cedric’s amazing work at the Aliabad Hospital where he teaches new medical and surgical techniques in urology and procures much need new equipment, training locals in its use, this dynamic husband and wife team makes a real difference partnering with other doctors and residents and saving lives. Norma & Cedric both praised the Afghan people's spirit, mentioning that they had never heard anyone complaining about their plight.  Norma explained that in Afghanistan, when someone says that one is beautiful, the Afghans reply "you see me through beautiful eyes". She then accepted the 2004 Human Rights Award with the same humility and love as she stated "You see us through good and appreciative eyes".

Martha Torres, program manager for Interface Children Family Services introduced the next recipient beginning with "The generosity of these people astounds me". Calling attention to the many and major achievements of Camarillo dentist, Dr. Mark Lisagor, Torres listed numerous services to humanity attributed to him, including past president of the American Society of Dentistry for Children in Southern California and the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry. A frequent volunteer in third world countries, including Vietnam, Guatemala, Israel, and Nepal, he is actively involved in youth serving organizations in Ventura County. He currently serves as Chair of the Cal State University Channel Islands Foundation Board and President of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation and his many years of service with the Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo, and enormous contributions to county children with free dental services through Interface. In accepting his award Lisagor praised Torres, who through her work with Interface "… is the glue who matches me with others". He added, "I’m overwhelmed".

Linda Dye from the local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ventura County introduced the final recipients, Soroptimist International – Camino Real Region, as "Spiritual Giants--People who look at the worst of the worst and humbly and kindly say 'let me see what I can do'". Soroptimist International has worked tirelessly around the globe to uphold the rights of women through "awareness, advocacy and action". Brooke Stephens, governor of the Camino Real Region accepted the award with pride, noting that many people are unaware of the work done by the women of Soroptimist International. "We are a very good, well kept secret". The works of all these recipients are certainly no longer a secret.

Attending the event were a number of dignitaries from across Ventura County including: the Honorable Fernando Gamboa, Mexican Consul, and his wife Miriam; Kathy Long, Ventura County Supervisor; various county city council members such as; Jonathan Sharkey, and Maricela Morales, Port Hueneme;  Neil Andrews, Ventura; Patti Walker, Fillmore; (and President of Soroptimists of Fillmore); Debbie Sandland, Simi Valley Board of Education; Hugh Riley, assistant city manager, Moorpark; Representatives of the United Nations Association, Ventura Co. Chapter, Ken Recla, President and Cecelia Fargo.  Also attending were past recipients of the Baha'i Human Rights Award:  Maria Carmen Ramirez (1989 first recipient, for legal aid within the Hispanic community); Martha Torres (1998, Interface Children's & Family Services of Ventura County); Kathy Long (1998, Ventura County Supervisor for her work with women and children); Elsa Campbell (1998, M.S.C.C., Counselor, Santa Paula intercultural understanding); Jesus & Luann Rocha (1999, directors of El Centrito De La Colonia, working with Oxnard youth at risk); Margaret Nesbitt (2000, Santa Clara Valley Hospice of Santa Paula); Cheri Moraga (2001, Oxnard Bookmobile); and Ethel Hayman (2002, educator in the Oxnard School District).